The bear uttered a ferocious growl and swept the air with one paw furiously as the candle approached. Its aim was futile, however. The candle reached the oil-soaked hide. There was a blinding sweep of flame.
In one second the great animal was swept by a brilliant wave of fire. It was only a surface skim, but, scared to death, the bear arose with magical swiftness, uttered a piercing roar, made for the river bank, took a header, and the boys heard a tremendous splash in the water twenty feet below.
“I don’t think his bearship will trouble us any further,” remarked Bob, preparing to descend from the tree.
“No,” replied Ben, “but some other bear or animal may. I suggest that we climb to that big crotch up yonder. It looks roomy and comfortable. We can only wander around aimlessly in the darkness. We’ll take a good rest, and start out in earnest to find out where we are as soon as daylight comes.”
They found the upper tree crotch roomy enough to lie in on a slant. They decided on alternate hour watches, and had a good lunch before they began the arrangement for passing the night.
“How is the commissary department, Bob?” inquired Ben, as they descended to the ground after daylight.
“Enough to last a whole day, I should think,” replied Bob.
They had an ample breakfast. Then there was some indecision as to their immediate progress.
“We know about where the Dart is,” said Bob. “The river is a kind of a landmark. I suggest that we try to find some houses or settlement.”
“That’s south,” said Ben, pointing, after consulting a small compass he carried with him. “Suppose we start in that direction.”